Compact Disc Reviews: Ralph Vaughan Williams - "Mass in G Minor; Works by Duruflé, Tavener, et al."; "Mass in G Minor and Other Works; Judith Bingham Mass"

Philip BarnesSt. Louis, Missouri
Lawrence Schenbeck (EDITOR)

Ralph Vaughan Williams: Mass in G Minor; Works by Duruflé, Tavener, et al.; Ralph Vaughan Williams: Mass in G Minor and other works Judith Bingham: Mass

Ralph Vaughan Williams: Mass in G Minor; Works by Duruflé, Tavener, et al.

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Chamber Chorus

Norman Mackenzie, conductor

Telarc CD 80654; SACD 60654 (2006; 54' 21")

Ralph Vaughan Williams: Mass in G Minor and other works Judith Bingham: Mass

Westminster Cathedral Choir

Martin Baker, conductor

Robert Quinney, organ

Hyperion CDA 67503 (2005; 79´ 45´´)

Since its premiere in 1922 Vaughan Williams's Mass in G Minor has found a place in the repertoire of numerous choirs, both in and out of church. The Mass works liturgically and as a concert piece, and its superb scoring enables, rather than challenges, all who sing it. Not surprisingly, it has been recorded many times, and two recent releases bring to a full dozen the versions now available. The new recordings, by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chamber Chorus and by Westminster Cathedral Choir, face stiff competition from some of the best English collegiate and chamber choirs, not to mention ensembles in New York and Chicago and the Elora Festival Singers of Canada. Nonetheless both new discs have much to recommend them, and for quite distinct reasons.

The Atlanta Chorus's director, Norman Mackenzie, has maintained the vocal sheen of his celebrated predecessor, Robert Shaw, and it is the blend of his choir that particularly impresses the listener. In a program that also includes motets by Copland and Duruflé and anthems by Tallis, Messiaen, and Tavener, there is also...